[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 4, 1995)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 51935] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-24714] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 50 CFR Part 672 [Docket No. 950509041-5041-01; I.D. 092995B] Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Northern Rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Modification of a closure. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for northern rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to use the total allowable catch (TAC) for northern rockfish in this area. EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 1, 1995, until 12 midnight, A.l.t., December 31, 1995. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Pearson, 907-486-6919. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The groundfish fishery in the GOA exclusive economic zone is managed by NMFS according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Fishing by U.S. vessels is governed by regulations implementing the FMP at 50 CFR parts 620 and 672. In accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(1)(ii)(B), the annual TAC for northern rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area was established by the final 1995 specifications of groundfish (60 FR 8470, February 14, 1995) as 4,610 metric tons (mt). NMFS has determined that as of September 2, 1995, 866 mt remain unharvested. The Director, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the 1995 TAC for northern rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area has not been reached. Therefore, NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is opening directed fishing for northern rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area. All other closures remain in full force and effect. Classification This action is taken under 50 CFR 672.20 and is exempt from review under E.O. 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: September 29, 1995. Richard W. Surdi, Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 95-24714 Filed 9-29-95; 4:36 pm] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F